GEOS ROB: We'll get going in a few seconds here, just as soon as everyone gets seated. Welcome to another GEOS Forum! I'm Rob Siegel, and I'll answer your questions about GEOS and our follow on products. If you have questions about GEOS that don't get answered tonight, post them in the GEOS Forum in the Commodore Information Network. Either myself or someone else will answer your questions. I'm a little behind on the boards, but I will be caught up by next Tuesday. I will also update the software libraries at that time. geoFile and geoCalc are cruising along, with geoFile to be shipped in the next few weeks. Both products are being beta tested for final bugs. I've been making sure that the beta testing is going smoothly, and also that the manual matches the software! That should help most people! As for the 128 version, it too, is progressing and should be shipping by next June. If you own the 64 version, you will be able to upgrade for a nominal fee. All of our 64 software will adhere to that policy, and if you don't want to upgrade you can switch to 40 columns in the 128 version to use your follow on products. Well, I think it is time we went to your questions, so on with the show….. Please do not send On Line Messages to the Speakers as they only hold up the proceedings.
QuestionWhen will be the libraries updated?
GEOS ROB: As I stated in the opening, it should be in the next few days. I appreciate your patience since I have been so busy on other things.
QuestionWhat will be the next products, besides geofile and geocalc?
GEOS ROB: We are looking into a spellchecker as well as geoProgrammer (which will be a debugger, assembler, etc.). We are also looking into geoBasic and maybe geoPublish. 🙂
QuestionWill the c128 geos version use both 80 &40 col.?
GEOS ROB: It will work in 80 column mode, but you will be abel to switch to 40 column by selecting a pull down menu and throwing a switch on the monitor.
Questionhow much does a disk cost?
GEOS ROB: GEOS is suggested at $59.95, but you can find it cheaper if shop around (including here on Q-Link!).
QuestionWhat,Really is GEOS
GEOS ROB: GEOS is a graphic environment for the 64 and 128 that gives you icons and pull down menus, along with different fonts and point sizes in the word processor. It also comes with a graphics editing package, and we have many follow on products that enhance.. the system.
QuestionHow can I download any new enhancements to my GEOS 1.2 disc?
GEOS ROB: Go to the GEOS Software library and choose the item you want to download. Download it and the Convert program so you can change GEOS files to SEQ files and vice versa. All of the info is in the GEOS Software …. Library in the GEOS Forum.
QuestionWhen will you update geopaint so that the colors do not bleed over each other?
GEOS ROB: When Commodore makes a new computer. Unfortuantely, colors are laid on 8×8 pixel cards, which… causes bleeding in geoPaint. Try covering up areas by painting over background colors with…. the background function in the color option in geoPaint.
QuestionHow can i use an SG-10C with GEOS ?
GEOS ROB: Try getting the update chips that Star has. Currently there is a hardware problem, but I have… heard that the chips fix this.
QuestionDo I need a certain disk to run the prg desk top v1.3
GEOS ROB: No, just place it on your original GEOS disk and all of your work disks. It allows you to see which printer is selected and set any input device as the default one.
QuestionShould I wait for the 128 version or up date my current 1.2 disc?
GEOS ROB: Six one, half dozen the other. The 1.2 upgrade only costs five dollars, so you might want to do that and get th 128 version when it comes out.
QuestionWhen will GeoCalc be available?
GEOS ROB: It looks like it will be a few more weeks. It's taking the engineer a little bit longer than…. anticipated to get out the final bugs. But we would rather be a little late than put out a…. faulty product.
QuestionI am looking all over the place for a mouse but i just cant find one? 🙁
GEOS ROB: Try Toys R Us, and get the 1351, not the 1350!
QuestionIs the 128 version going to support such things as deskpack for the 64?
GEOS ROB: You will either be able to go to 64 mode from the deskTop, or you can purchase the 128 version… of the software. Please do not send On Line Messages to the Speakers as they only hold up the proceedings.
QuestionWhere can I get a bootable Back-up?
GEOS ROB: You can send us $10 + $2 shipping and handling. We will send you a second booting disk.
QuestionDid BSW use the 128 RAM exp.(1750) to
GEOS ROB: Yes, we use it with the 128 version.
QuestionWhat does GEOpublish do?
GEOS ROB: geoPublish will give more versatility for positioning graphics and text on a page. It will… help even more with deskTop publishing.
QuestionIs there any difference with the GEOS you buy in the store and the GEOS that comes with the 64C?
GEOS ROB: They are the same system.
QuestionHow much will geos cost for the 128?
GEOS ROB: We have not set a price yet, but it will be similar to current prices.
QuestionI tried to purchase fontpack online. Cur ently you can only be billed via credit cards. I pay for my subscribtion thru my checking account. Is there any plans to add this option to your billing.
GEOS ROB: Not currently, we will probably stick to credit cards for a while.
QuestionDo you have a program that can change non-geos disks into geos format?
GEOS ROB: We have a Text Grabbber on the Writer's Workshop package for bringing non-GEOS Word Processing… files into geoWrite, and the Deskpack has the Graphics Grabber for bringing in graphics from … Newsroom, Print Shop and Printmaster.
QuestionI have a Gemini star 10x printer. I downloaded the geos printer driver but it doesn't appear on the choices for printers when I select a printer on geos. How can I make it work?
GEOS ROB: You need to Covert it using the GEOS Convert Program. Go back to the GEOS Library and read the.. info that explains what to do.
QuestionI do not understand the Graphic Grabber can you help?
GEOS ROB: I need more details. Either send me E-Mail, or better yet, post it on the GEOS boards and…. everyone can help you.
QuestionRob… I am POed about the way that you HAVE to use the same boot disk to use applications (like geodex, graphics grabber, etc) that you first installed it with. I MADE A MISTAKE AND USED 2 DIFFERENT BOOT DISKS TO INSTALL THEM WITH. Is there any way to use the SAME boot disk for all applications ?? –S D–
GEOS ROB: Not at this time. It is linked to the one disk, and most people don't use two disks to boot. Talk to the people in the GEOS forum. They know how to help you but I won't let them post the info on the boards. Just ask for help and someone will…. respond.
QuestionAre you planning to market a program which changes KolalaPainter pics into GEOS format?
GEOS ROB: Not at this time, but I believe some users on Q-link know of programs that do this. Ask in the.. GEOS Forum. As you can see, there is a lot of info that is available in the GEOS Forum. It is.. a great information exchange.
Questionwill berkeley release anything like cosmac's pattern editor?
GEOS ROB: We may, and it may look very similar to his…. 🙂 (Don't worry, he knows what's going on!)
Questioncan I find GEOS at any Software store?
GEOS ROB: It is available at most stores that sell Commodore software.
QuestionI cannot get the Sample Lobster picture to print out..what am I doing wrong?
GEOS ROB: It could be a lot of things. Do you have the proper printer driver as the first one on the boot disk and the only one on the work disk? If you need more help, ask your question on… the Printer Board in the GEOS Forum or send me E-Mail. Please do not send On Line Messages to the Speakers as they only hold up the proceedings.
QuestionIs the 1.3 kernal that supports ram going to be available on qlink?
GEOS ROB: We don't know, but we will have to see. I would think not, but that may (not likely) change.
Questionwht cant i ask a question you didnt answ er it
GEOS ROB: Questions are answered in the order received.
QuestionWhen will GEOS 2.0 be released?
GEOS ROB: No immediate plans at this time.
Questionwill geoWrite be updated for full margin
GEOS ROB: Yes, we will have a geoWrite 2.1 that will allow you to expand out for 80 dpi printers. No date at this time.
QuestionMy geos program won't boot and i don't h ave a backup. I think i accidently remov ed the geos and kernal from the disk. ho w can I correct this?
GEOS ROB: Send your disk to Berkeley with a check for $5 + $2 shipping and handling and we will replace it.
Questionyou know if any copy prog can copy the g eos perfectly?
GEOS ROB: Backup and Disk Copy work fine.
Questioncan you printout notes on notepad?
GEOS ROB: There is a file in the User Applications section of the GEOS Software Library that allows you… to do this.
QuestionI downloaded the GEODEX update from Q-link and I don't know how to convert it.I keep getting a message that it can't be converted.
GEOS ROB: You might want to try a fresh donwload. Most people have not had any problems.
QuestionHow do I order the 1.2 upgrade for five$
GEOS ROB: Send a check and a letter to BSW and we will send you a disk.
QuestionWhen to release GEOS programmer's pkg? for development of our own applications.
GEOS ROB: No date yet, but there is info posted on the Technical Boards in the GEOS Software Library.
QuestionWhat mouse doyou recommend?
GEOS ROB: Currently the 1351 is the best mouse. However, BSW will be coming out with geoMouse which will.. be a one button mouse that will also have a built in clock, similar to the Macintosh.
QuestionWhats the difference between the 2 mouses?
GEOS ROB: The 1350 is a joystick on wheels and can only go in 8 directions. The 1351 is a true propor- tional mouse and can go in 360 directions.
QuestionDOES GEOWRITE HAVE A SPELLING CHECKER?
GEOS ROB: Not now, but we will shortly.
QuestionWhen will GEOS for the C128 be in the marketplace.
GEOS ROB: By June 1.
QuestionWhen will the geos fourm data base be updated?
GEOS ROB: By next Tuesday, and I apologize for the delay.
QuestionWhats the current status of the 128 Geos release?
GEOS ROB: Oops, I just answered that! 🙂
QuestionI have an MPS-1000 printer and desktop 1.3. Whenever I boot up,it always displays the 801 printer as active. How can I change this to always be active as the MPS-1000
GEOS ROB: Make the 1000 driver the first one on the boot disk and the only one on the work disk. That … will allow you to avoid select printer.
Questioni have finally upgraded to 1.3 by follow following all directions in my mouse box but i didn't find any thing that would tell me how to get my fonts back .. where did they go??? did i lose them forever ?? what did i do wrong? how is it possible to screw up when you follow all instruct instructions to the letter??
GEOS ROB: Sorry, Ted, but you didn't! Before you upgrade it explains to you that certain files are going.. to be deleted. Reboot the program and see. If you made a Backup, all of your files are there… If not, contact me via E-mail.
Questioncan you suggest the best technical book on GEOS?
GEOS ROB: The best technical one is ours, the Official Programmer's Reference Guide by BSW. If you don't.. understand assembly language, the ones by Abacus or Midnite Press are very good. The one by … Alex Boyce is also very good.
QuestionWhen will geoMouse be available?
GEOS ROB: No date at this time.
QuestionWill there be an upgrade fee to upgrade from 64 to 128 version. How Much?
GEOS ROB: It will be very nomial, $10- $20—-whatever materials cost us.
QuestionWhat is the advantage that GEOS has over other operating systems?
GEOS ROB: Well, doing commands in Commodore Basic is kind of like calling out football signals…. It's all in code and not very user friendly. GEOS allows you to do all of the things that you… can do from Basic just by pointing and clicking. It's that simple!
Questionwhere can i by the the128 version?
GEOS ROB: In most stores probably around June 1.
QuestionWill Berkeley ever make music software? Especially for MIDI use?
GEOS ROB: It's possible, but not likely in the immediate future.
QuestionWhat is better about GEOS 128 ???
GEOS ROB: It will be in 80 columns and will have more memory to draw from.
QuestionWhen is the Programmers Pack due for release?
GEOS ROB: No date is available at this time.
QuestionGEOS 64 claims 512K RAM — (1750)???
GEOS ROB: Well, I'm not sure what you are referring to, but we do use the 1750 and take advantage of the.. 512K.
Questiondo I need an up dated input driver for the 1351 mouse?
GEOS ROB: yes, and it comes with the mouse.
QuestionOf the printers Geos can be used with, d o you recommend one over another?
GEOS ROB: We recommend an 80 dpi printer, and a really good thing to do is go ask in the GEOS Forum…. Users can give their opinions on printers they own.
QuestionIs there any way to get a printer driver that doesn't cut off 1/3 of the page on my MPS 801????
GEOS ROB: Not at this time. The 801 is a 60 dpi printer and GEOS sends out higher resolution 80 dpi…. commands. Therefore you lose 1/4 of your drawing window.
QuestionWhy doesn't the Okimate 10 printer handler support color printouts from geoPaint??
GEOS ROB: It sure does! Use the Oki 10 driver!
QuestionWhat capabilities will the 512k ram (1750) add to the 128 Geos?
GEOS ROB: Speed!!! It's 5 times faster than now.
QuestionHow come TurboDisk is not Present on the C-64 Desktop?
GEOS ROB: Because it is built into the software. There is no diskTurbo file, per se.
QuestionI allways get system errors when exiting the clock, or the calculator, etc. It shows a gray screen, and my disk drive blinks….ver often… :<
GEOS ROB: Make sure you are opening and closing disks when you take them out of the drive. If your… problems persist, it could be a bad disk. Send it back to us for replacement.
QuestionHow long does it take for shipment when ordering GEOS products on QLink?
GEOS ROB: It takes 4 to 6 weeks.
QuestionRob, any work on RS232 (i.e. geoTerm) yet?
GEOS ROB: Not yet.
QuestionRob, are the GEOS fonts copyrighted?
GEOS ROB: No, they are public domain fonts.
QuestionWhy is GEOS so HIGH PRICED??
GEOS ROB: High Priced? Try buying a comparable graphic system with word processing that does 27 fonts… and can integrate graphics from the graphics editor for a price under $59. And, we have 4 follow on products that greatly enhance the system! High priced? Comperable … systmes sell for as much as $2500!
QuestionHow do know someone is there
GEOS ROB: That's a good one, you got me!
QuestionRob, hear anything new about major third paty support?
GEOS ROB: I know that a lot of users are doing development, but I don't have any info about any companies.. who are doing development (that does not mean it's not happening, I just don't have a list).
QuestionWhy is GEOS being offered for FREE??
GEOS ROB: It is? Where! Please E-Mail me where this is happening! 🙂
QuestionRob, will geoProgrammer include the same assembler you guys used?
GEOS ROB: No, but it will have its own version of one.
QuestionDo you have a printer driver for the Okimate 20?
GEOS ROB: Sure do, and it is here on Q-Link. You can download it from the GEOS Software Library.
QuestionIs there a price yet for geoMouse?
GEOS ROB: No price has been established yet!
QuestionIs there a conversion program to change Timework Data Manager 2 files into Geos files?
GEOS ROB: n'yet, but I would not say never!
QuestionRob, I'm new to GEOS. I just purchased V 1.2 and I'm quite pleased as it's pretty much the only S'ware that supports the 1351. ? v1.2 had fonts, and other apps, but when I updated to v1.3 all these wen t poof! Does this mean I have to spend mega bucks (i.e. $300+) to get all the new applications?
GEOS ROB: Nope. You didn't read the directions (you naughty person!). It said to make a backup because… certain files would be deleted. If you have a backup, make copies of the files from your Backup. If you don't have one, send us your disk & $5 +$2 s/h so we can send you a new disk.
QuestionRob, will this forum be going till 11? (Eastern)
GEOS ROB: Nope, it will stop around 10:30 EST.
QuestionI cant load my GEOS booting GEOS appears on the screen and my drive just continue s to run
GEOS ROB: Make sure you are using a 1541 or 1571. Unhook all peripheral devices to see if that is causing a conflict. If you can't get it to work, send it back to us for replacement.
QuestionI heard that Berkeley is going to come up with a chip that you can install in your computer that will automatically switch to GEOS when you turn the computer on. Is it true?
GEOS ROB: Not that I know of. It won't happen for a while, if it ever does.
QuestionWhen (to you knowledge) can we get 1764? Commodore is not shipping them to any- body local. Can I get it anywhere?
GEOS ROB: I have no idea when it will be released. Pete Baxcor (sp?) said it was already shipping, but I.. haven't heard of anyone who has it yet.
Questionhow many questions in que ??
GEOS ROB: Around 80! 🙂
QuestionExactly how does geoLaser work with QLink??
GEOS ROB: You upload us your geoWrite file and we download it. We then print it on our Laser Writer and… mail it back to you.
QuestionEarlier I asked about the advantage of geos over other operating systems. Ilost contact so I missed your answer.
GEOS ROB: This forum will be in the GEOS Forum under the Forum section (how's that for a tongue twister)… You can get the answer there in a week or so.
Questioni have spent many hours on the geos forum and hve sent you e-mail trying to find out how to get back what was was lost when i upgraded to 1.3 i ha have not gotten any reply !! that's why i'm here tonite. don't tell people to us use something that ain't gonna work!!
GEOS ROB: Everything works, it's just a question of reading the directions. I haven't been on the system.. for a while and I apologize for that, but I will be all caught up by next Tuesday. I apologize.. for the delay, but I have been working on trying to get geoPublish finished! 🙂
Questionwhat does *DPI* stand for?
GEOS ROB: Dots per inch, and it applies to printers. The more dpi, the higher resolution of printout.
QuestionWhy did my GEOS disk have some of the printer selections on the other side?
GEOS ROB: It had to do with how much room was on the disk. When we ran out, we had to use the other side. I am going to take one more question tonight. If I didn't get to yours, post it in the GEOS … forum and I'll answer it there.
QuestionCan you use the c128 version with 1541 drive?
GEOS ROB: No, it is designed to work with the 1571. On behalf of Berkeley Softworks, I'd like to thank you for coming tonight. If you have any more questions, put them up in the GEOS Forum! Have a good night, and I'll see you on the boards!